The relative effectiveness of three techniques used for relaxation training (EMG Biofeedback, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Self-relaxation) was compared for 12 subjects who scored high or low on trait anxiety. Dependent variables included change scores based on EMG readings and pulse rate and posttreatment State-anxiety. Pulse rate was significantly affected by the type of treatment, i.e., Progressive Muscle Relaxation produced less decrease in pulse rate than the other two techniques. EMG and State anxiety measures did not differ as a function of treatment.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
DavisP. J.Electromyograph biofeedback: Generalization and the relative effects of feedback, instructions, and adaptation. Psychophysiology, 1980, 17, 604–612.
2.
DeffenbacherJ. L.MichaelsA. C.Two self-control procedures in the reduction of targeted and nontargeted anxieties—a year later. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1980, 27, 9–15.
3.
HaynesS. N.GriffinP.MooneyD.ParishM.Electromyographic biofeedback and relaxation instructions in the treatment of muscle contraction headaches. Behavior Therapy, 1975, 6, 672–678.
4.
JacobsonE.Progressive relaxation. Chicago: Univer. of Chicago Press, 1938.
5.
QualesP.SheehanP.EMG biofeedback as a relaxation technique: A critical appraisal and reassessment. Psychological Bulletin, 1981, 90, 21–42.
6.
SimeW. F.DeGoodD. E.Effects of EMG biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation training on awareness of frontalis muscle tension. Psychophysiology, 1977, 14, 522–530.
7.
SpielbergerC. D.GorsuchR. L.LuscerneR. E.Manual for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Palo Alto, CA: Consulting Psychologists Press, 1970.
